Lesson 1: Abdomen

A. INSPECTION
- be sure client has an empty bladder,
lying comfortably with abdomen fully exposed
1.Observe the general contour of the
abdomen-
flat,protubberant,scpahoid,concave,;ocal
bulges,symmetry,visible peristalsis aortic
pulsations.
2.Umbilicus - contour, hernia, color,
discharge, odor, signs of inflammation
3. Skin- sars, rashes, lesions,
pigmentations,etc.
B.AUSCULTATION-abdomen have the
familiar”growling sound,it has 5-23 bowel
sounds per minute.There should be no rubs or
bruits.
1.bowel sound - pitch,
duration,absence,increased,gurgling
2.bruit - aorta and renal arteries - abnormal
blood flow
C.PERCUSSION
-note tympany and
dullness(tympany normally
predominates
-masses,fluid levels
D. PALPATION(LIGHT)
-determine muscle tension and
resistance,tenderness and superficial masses or
organ enlargement
-skin fold test for dehydration

E.PALPIATION(deep)
-masses-size,shape,consistency,mobility,location
-abnormal distention-6F’s-
fluids,flat,flatus,fetus,feces,food
-area of tenderness,deep and rebound tenderness
-palpable organs:liver,kidney,cecum and abdominal
aorta
-lymp nodes-inguinal and femoral areas